Infant Dies After Vaccination in Malkangiri: Family Alleges Negligence by Health Workers
Tumakimadka, Malkangiri — A heartbreaking incident has shaken the tribal community in Odisha’s Malkangiri district after a 4-month-old infant girl died allegedly following the administration of a Pentavalent vaccine. The child, daughter of Deba Madkami, was vaccinated by local health workers two days before her death.
According to the family, the infant developed a high fever and became critically ill shortly after receiving the vaccine.
Despite their pleas to delay the vaccination due to her pre-existing illness, health workers reportedly assured them there would be no complications. Tragically, the child was declared dead upon arrival at the Kalimela Community Health Centre.
Dr. Dinabandhu Mahananda, the Kalimela Health Officer, refuted claims that the vaccine was responsible. He stated that the child had shown signs of illness prior to vaccination and was advised to seek medical care.
He emphasised that the vaccine was administered only after the child appeared stable and suggested that her death was likely due to other medical complications.
The incident has ignited concerns over vaccination protocols and communication gaps between health workers and families in remote tribal regions. Authorities are expected to launch a formal inquiry to determine the exact cause of death.
